Flywheel Modification

[jelag]

I have been changing the pilot bearing in Ford's and Dodge's for some time...



On my 04 with 100K miles we were having problem with a vibration under acceleration... and we pulled it apart to chase it down... . several asked for some photos of how I change the pilot bearing... .



On the Dodge we use a 6204-3/4-2RS bearing...



We machine the flywheel so that this new pilot bearing will press into the flywheel and give the true support needed to the input shaft of the NV5600 or other trans mission... .



IF I've done this right the first photo will be the bearing open with syn. grease that will go to at least 475*F before it starts to melt... this high end grease is the same grease I use in U-joints... it can't be washed away with a power washer..... we than pop the rubber shield back on the bearing and insert it into the flywheel... . see second photo.....



If you have any questions please let me know..... The second post... will show the disc failure and the HD disc we use.....

 

[rbattelle]

It's interesting you've chosen to go with a sealed greased bearing instead of a self-lubricating bronze bushing. I was under the impression that a bushing would actually be preferred for its self-lubricating properties. Can you comment on this?



-Ryan

 

[jelag]

Ryan



On large trucks, 14" and 15 1/2" clutches used in Class 7 & 8 trucks use a sealed ball bearing as a pilot..... they tend to last longer and display less wear... . On those trucks it not uncommon to see a HD clutch go 300K + miles...



In addition any wear in a bronze bushing over a few thousandth's of an inch would allow the cover to clamp the disc out of alignment... . this would cause excessive wear on the parts inside the disc as well as put excessive load on the bearings in the front of the transmission... .



As we move from light duty applications we see bearing take the place of the bushings...



And last. . we have been doing this for years..... and know that we can do this and expect the bearing to outlast the bushing...



Hope this helps... Jim